By REP. JAMIE ALLARD
As a mother, a veteran, and a public servant, I am deeply aware of the sacrifices that our military families make each day. I have witnessed firsthand the courage, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to serve, and I’ve experienced both the pride and the fearthat comes with raising children who aspire to follow that same path.
Veterans Day is not only a day to honor those who serve and have served, but to inspire the next generation to pick up that torch for the future.
Recently as my daughters sought my input regarding their military careers moving forward at Norwich University. I asked them to wait until I knew who would be their Commander in Chief. I worried if their new Commander would know how to lead, or what they might be forced to do in the name of duty.
I recognized how important it was to each of them as both my husband and I served in the military, but I also recognized that the military today is not the same as it was in generations past. If you don’t believe in your leadership, it’s hard to follow. This election impacted me on a deep level, not just as an American, but also as mother with daughters who would be under the command of the new President. Today, I feel more hopeful than ever that my daughters, and all young people with similar dreams, will be able to serve under a government that truly understands and values what it means to put on the uniform.
This year, I was honored to be part of the 33rd legislative session, where I helped pass legislation to recognize the Space Force and honor our Women Veterans. In a time of such polarization and political vitriol, it’s crucial to come together on nonpartisan values, particularly in an era when the sacrifices of our service members, especially women, deserve acknowledgment more than ever. But advocating for these measures wasn’t easy. Some legislators questioned the necessity of these recognitions — a stark reminder that even in today’s world, not everyone fully appreciates the dedication of our veterans.
This lack of understanding has further strengthened my resolve to support leaders who support veterans. With President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, we now have leaders who not only honor our veterans, but also bring a depth of personal experience to the table. Vice President-elect Vance has lived the life of a veteran. He knows what it’s like to struggle and to overcome the unique challenges of military service. He knows how to follow and how to lead. He knows the shame it is on our Nation to see our veterans hungry, cold, and alone, struggling to receive mental and medical care. Under his leadership,we have the opportunity to give our vets the honor and care they deserve. His experience is a beacon of hope for all who have served, promising an era where our veterans’ voices will finally be heard and respected at the highest levels of government.
Serving is never just a job; it’s a calling rooted in a profound love for country, love for neighbor, and a willingness to sacrifice. Veterans leave behind their families, miss milestones, and face unimaginable trials, all for the cause of protecting our freedoms. They deserve leaders who not only respect that journey but who also know what it means to carry that responsibility themselves. I thank God we have that now, and I couldn’t be prouder to see this administration represent the values I hold dear.
As we look to the future, we must guide and inspire the next generation, particularly Generation Z. Like my daughters, they are eager to serve, but they also seek leaders they can trust, who will guide them through the toughest moments of their lives. This generation is vibrant, intelligent, and deeply patriotic. They know that America is not perfect, but they still believe in the power of its ideals. With the right support, Gen Z will rise to the challenge of defending the Constitution and standing for the freedoms that define us.
This Veteran’s Day, I feel especially hopeful. Not only are we honoring those who have served before, but we are also paving the way for those who will serve in the future. Our veterans can take pride in knowing that their sacrifices have laid a strong foundation, inspiring a new generation ready to carry the torch. They have set an example that the young people of today are eager to follow under the guidance of leaders who understand the journey because they’ve walked it themselves.
Let us remember that honoring veterans isn’t just about reflection; it’s about action, about creating a country that respects their contributions and empowers those who will continue their legacy. Today, and every day, I am committed to supporting our veterans and guiding our youth toward a future where service is respected, honored, and understood in a way it never has been before.
To all our active-duty servicemen and women and our veterans alike, we see you. We salute you. We thank you for your sacrifice. Every time I hear the National Anthem, tears fill my eyes. May you never lose that love for country that swells like the anthem and may we never lose our gratitude for your selflessness. Happy Veterans Day.
Rep. Jamie Allard represents District 23, Eagle River, in the Alaska Legislature.
Thank you Mrs Allard.
Jamie Allard is a Patriot! Thank you for you service…THEN and NOW‼️
Thank you Jamie, William Morris 1st SF Goup and 2/504 82nd, discharged 1985
Thanks to all who have served this Nation and wrote a blank check up to and including their very lives. We need more elected representatives who understand this concept.
Hey. its pretty cool that every military intervention since the Spanish American War has been to secure the foreign investments of a tiny group of people with massive political influence. Congratulations on participating, I guess. Kind of weird that American taxpayers are 35 trillion in debt and the only outcome of all those conflicts has been mass importation of the people we fought. Good on ya.
To celebrate your lack of appreciation for those who have kept the watch while you sleep safe at night, I recommend you leave the country ASAP for one which you think better represents your ideals. There are numerous planes, boats, busses, etc. leaving every day. Even better, show you really believe your rhetoric by paying for some others who believe like you to leave as well. Or, you could pull your head out, realize how blessed you really are and just say, thank you. If you’re too undedicated and hypocritical to do the first, and too ungrateful to do the second, how about just shut up and enjoy your freedom quietly.
Has Rep. Allard considered running for governor?
Can Gov. Dunleavy appoint her until new election, if President Trump makes him Secretary of Interior?
The state of Alaska can also help vets in this manner providing actual tangible emotional and mental health services that actually helps. even HR Professionals see traits which are easily identified in the veteran population. veterans nearly always work and bring valor and the usual other traits with them. Some for instance are anti-authoritarian, hyperactive, antisocial personality disordered. These traits can be helped or escalated. if for instance they just had a white board and the tools of self recognition they might see greater economic success and less life disruptions in Alaska. Just one personality disorder seen among civilian and veteran populations for example seen in by Alaskan HR professionals.
Happy Veteran’s Day Jamie. Thank you for your sacrifices and the greatness you bring to the state legislature. Eagle River is proud of what you do. I’m very glad that you represent us. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing what you do next.